Data Encryption:
The scrambling of information sent over the Internet. Data encryption ensures that only the intended recipient has the ability to read and understand the information.

Database:
A file or file system containing organized information and, most commonly, a filing and retrieval system for storing information. Most database software also includes tools for data analysis. Examples of database software include Oracle, Sybase, and Microsoft Access.

DCS (destination control statement):
A document that accompanies nearly all commercial shipments that declares the shipment's contents are licensed for export to a particular destination. The anti-diversion clause in the DCS precludes the diversion of the shipment to any other destination.

Debit:
A charge to the customers bankcard account.

Debit Card:
A financial instrument used by consumers in place of cash. Unlike a credit card, debit card purchases are deducted automatically from the cardholder's account, like a check. Visa and MasterCard now offer debit cards through banks and other financial institutions. Requires a PIN (Personal Identification Number) for use.

Decline:
Either the processing network or the cardholder's bank has refused to complete a Sale, Refund or PreAuth. The cardholder's account balance was not changed. iBill passes back to the retailer any reason it receives for a Decline having been issued. Unfortunately, reasons stated by banks and processing networks tend to be vague. This is often due to there being a problem between the cardholder and his bank, and bank policies rightly leave us out of such private conversations.

Deposit:
When a merchant closes a batch and sends the transactions to the host computer for settlement. Compare to RELEASE. Batches should be closed on a daily basis to ensure the lowest discount rates.

dHTML (dynamic HTML ):
An extension of HTML that gives greater control over the layout of page elements and the ability to have Web pages that change and interact with the user without having to communicate with the server. The three components of DHTML pages are HTML, Java script, and cascading style sheets.

Digital Certificate:
Online identification that authenticates a consumer, merchant and financial institution. Digital certificates are used during SET transactions.

Digital Wallet:
A consumer account set up to allow e-commerce transactions through a particular credit card processing system. Before the consumer can make a purchase, he or she must first establish an account with the credit card processor, who provides an ID and password. These can then be used to make purchases at any Web site that supports that transaction system. CyberCash's "Digital Coin" system is an example of a digital wallet system.

Discount Rate:
An amount charged to a merchant for the daily processing of credit card transactions. A fee that applies to all retail card present & magnetic stripe read items that are authorized and batched out on a daily basis.

Discount Rate:
A percentage fee paid to the merchant account provider or ISO for handling an electronic transaction. Most Web merchants pay between two and 10 percent of their revenue from online credit card or electronic check orders.

Doing Business As:
(DBA) refers to the specific name and location of the merchant establishment where credit card purchases were made.

Domain:
A designation for particular location on the Internet. A domain, for example "Merchantstorez.com," contains files that make up the content of Web pages under that address. Merchantstorez.com/intro.htm and MerchantWorkz.com/report3.htm are different Web pages located within the same domain. Domain names are associated with IP addresses.